What do air traffic controllers need to know?

What do air traffic controllers need to know?

A candidate must have either 3 years of progressively responsible work experience, a bachelor’s degree, a combination of postsecondary education and work experience totaling 3 years, or obtain a degree through an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program.

Why is it hard to be an air traffic controller?

Training is hard with vast amounts of rules to memorize alongside needing to display many qualities. Controllers need to be confident, calm, resilient, and think in three dimensions. As they speak to pilots, they are judging the aircraft’s trajectory through the air in terms of heading, level, and speed.

What does an air traffic control system do?

The main goal of an air traffic controller is to ensure the safety of aircraft, pilots, flight attendants, and of course, the airline passengers. An air traffic controller will communicate with pilots throughout their entire flight, relaying information back and forth between incoming and outgoing flights.

What is it like to be an air traffic controller?

Air traffic controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities, or route centers. Their work can be stressful because maximum concentration is required at all times. Night, weekend, and rotating shifts are common.

Is air traffic control 24/7?

Air traffic control is a 24/7/, 365 days a year business. Not only do airplanes fly at night, over weekends and on holidays, but those actually tend to be some of our busiest times. As a result, most air traffic facilities have people manning the tower or radar scopes continuously.

Who are the largest employers of air traffic controllers?

The largest employers of air traffic controllers were as follows: Most controllers work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Air traffic controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities, or en route centers. Many tower and approach/departure controllers work near large airports.

Why do air traffic controllers retire so early?

Air traffic controllers must react quickly and efficiently while maintaining maximum concentration. The mental stress of being responsible for the safety of aircraft and their passengers can be tiring. As a result, controllers retire earlier than most workers.